UND 5 - UAA 0

Another great Friday night effort by the Sioux:

What I liked about the game:

• Dell's shutout
• Dell's Assist
• The power play
• The penalty kill
• Trupp's Goal

What I didn't like about the game:

• Corban Knight's checking from behind late in the third period. Second time this season a freshman has received a game misconduct penalty late in the third period.

Other Item: Friday night - Lights Out:

Friday games are starting to look like UND's night. UND has not allowed a goal in eight periods of hockey on Friday night. They have scored at least four goals in each of the games on Friday night and have only allow two goals in total. I am sure there are more interesting stats on Fridays. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as the season progresses.

LET'S GO SIOUX!!!!!

One step forward, two losses back

Let's just face it. For a moment late in the first half of this season we started to believe that the Sioux were not an average hockey team, just misunderstood. All that came painfully crashing down this past weekend. After what I like to call bloody Sunday (more on that later), the Sioux season was definitely put into perspective. It's confirmed - the Sioux might just be an average hockey team. Back-to-back losses to Michigan State (a team which had not won in 12 games) and WCHA bottom dweller Michigan Tech, while only scoring two goals all weekend, means the Sioux are just average. The Sioux have left no room for error for the rest of the season-- translation, the only hope for post-season play will be to win the Broadmoor Trophy.

As for "bloody Sunday," this is what I had to deal with this weekend -- the Sioux GLI disaster, a Patriots win but still no playoff berth, and the Dallas fiasco (I have also been a Cowboys fan since I was 10). Thankfully, there were two bright spots - the 1st place Bruins winning #8 in a row, and Team USA beating the Czech Republic (not as convincingly as we'd like, but a win is a win). Speaking of hockey and football, I'll leave you with one last funny thought: what do the Sioux and the Detroit Lions have in common? Neither of them can win in Detroit.

The Sioux sweep St Cloud..but I still have concerns

After this weekend’s sweep of St. Cloud, UND’s record has improved to above .500 (9-8-1) for the first time this season.  The Sioux still have a long road ahead of them but they are on the right track. In a post I wrote back on November 23, I mentioned my concerns with their scoring, especially the power play.  At that time, the Sioux were 37^th in the country in scoring and 34^th in the power play.  As of today, they are tied for 9^th in the country in scoring and most importantly, they are tied for 10^th on the power play.  This is a vey impressive and key turnaround.   

However, I still have concerns over the next four games (five if you count the exhibition). My concern is based on the old sports cliché: one game at a time.  The Sioux team and fans have begun to talk about the Gopher series on the January 9 & 10 weekend.  We still have a tough road ahead before the Gopher series, with the GLI Tournament and a home and home with Bemidji.  

Let’s stay focused on the exhibition next weekend, rest players that need a rest, work on key areas that need improvement, and hope the Sioux come out of this exhibition with no injuries. 

Friday Night’s Game Summary – UND Web Site 

Saturday Night’s Game Summary – UND Web Site   

RECAP: Sioux 7 Cornell 3

This was the kind of effort we have been looking for and expecting to see from the Sioux. They were able to score, especially on the power play. Equally important they only gave up four power play chances to Cornell. But let’s not declare victory and book our flights to Washington D.C. We have a long way to go to get back into the national race. Last night’s effort needs to be consistent and sustained. Tonight’s game will be huge. Win it and we are starting to turn the corner. Lose it and all will be for not.

Game Summary-UND Web Site

The Sioux season begins tonight

The next nine games will be a defining moment for the Sioux. Seven of the next nine games will be against non-conference teams, with the majority of them being played at home. This is a must time for the Sioux to get on track. A good run over these next nine games will provide momentum going into the rest of the season, where the Sioux will play into the “teeth” of the WCHA. Winning at least 7 of the next 9 games is not only something that is possible, but something that must be accomplished in order to have a chance for post-season play.

Recap - Manitoba vs. UND

Here is my recap of tonight's game:

THE GOOD:
The Offense - six goals on 51 shots. Nice to see goals from the "rookies" Jason Gregoire and Brett Hextall ( Let me throw in Mario Lamoureux - I know Hextall beat him to it!) and the team leaders.

THE BAD:
Wish we could have seen David Toews play and Walski have more of a test.

THE UGLY:
Too many penalities. Eight penalites for 16 minutes against a much weaker team.


On to Agganis for the Ice Breaker. I can't wait; We will be in Section 115.

Danny Kristo

Puckmania has a Q&A with Danny Kristo. I like the answer to the first question.

August 22, 2008
Puckmania


Little was known about Danny Kristo when the Habs made him their first selection in 2008, on the homefront we knew that we could expect big things from Danny this year due to the fact he's always been a go to guy for the USHL, but what kind of player is Danny Kristo, what does he bring to the equation and most importantly how does he fit the Hab's equation.

Danny Kristo is 6 ft tall 180 Lbs right winger, born in Eden Prairie Minnesota

Scouted Strengths are : North\South Speed with Elite level decision making in all three zones, hard worker with puck possession tenacity.

Scouted Weaknesses : East\West mobility overall gritiness needs improvement as well as his ability to stand out from the pack. needs more imposing confidence to his game and toughness.

Puckmania caught up with Danny as he's preparing for a new Season, and got to learn allot from him ( including his love of Waffles ! )

Q - I was surprised to find out you've decided to join the Ranks of the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota instead of heading to your State's University of Minnesota in 2009 , can you give us some insight into your decision ?

A - I never grew up a Minnesota fan. I always wanted to play for Nodak.We have some family ties to North Dakota so i wanted to play there.

Q - What are your personal and team objectives going back to school this year ?

A - Definitly, my goal for this year is to make World Juniors and to play to the best of my ability. somewhere along top 3 scorers in the USHL would be great. As far as team, the Omaha Lancers won it all last year. I don't think anything less than that the team would be happy with.

Q - Talk to us about going to Russia for the U18's how did that experience mesh into the weave of experiences you've had this year ?

A - Going to Russia was very different. the tournament was great and very fun. i wish we would have came out on top but we fell short. as far the travel and everything it was very demanding. i got food poisoning at the start of the medal round.

Q - Prospect camp must have been an interesting experience, the media here was quick to notice your smooth skating and accurate shot, is there anything in particular Hab's brass wants you to work on ?

A - A lot of people say im a good skater but you can always improve there. i still need to get stronger and work on the little parts of my game.

Q - Describe your reaction the first time you saw Missiaen in goal ?

A - When I saw Jason the only thing I said was where the hell do i shoot? five hole?

Q - Allot of fans are curious about a prospect's mindset going into the combine and draft, what did you find the most grueling ? over two dozen interviews or sitting on that bench waiting to hear your name ?

A - The whole process is a good experience. It was stressful and difficult but exciting. I think the hardest part differs per player. for me it was the bike test at the combine and the interviews.

Q - Talk to us about your experience meeting the Habs at the Combine, did Trevor seem to put the emphasis on certain abilities vis a vis others ?

A - The meeting at the combine went well. I remember it and thought that they liked me after. It was pretty mellow and not to stressful.

Q - One of the funnier comments we've had was Timmins telling us : He's like a young buck in the headlights now, but watch his feet ... he's got really quick feet." Was the initial '' wow '' effect a bit overwhelming at first ? It reminded me allot of a comment he made about Chris Higgins several years ago, so your in good company !

A - Glad i could get compared to Chris Higgins ! But everything is overwhelming at first you tend to deal with it.

Q - Who was your idol growing up ? Was Hockey always your sport ? Any favorite teams then ( it's ok we'll forgive you if it isn't the Habs but it can't be the Bruins ... )

A - Growing up I loved hockey, I would have to say my favorite player is TJ Oshie. I now can say that he is my favorite NHL player now that he has signed. Mike richards from Philadelphia also.

Q - Equipment related : What Skates are you presently sporting ? Any prefered sharpening pattern ?

A - I'm using brand new Stuff from Reebok this year ! ( 9K Reebok )

Q - What stick - Curve style do you presently play with ?

A - Right now, the Easton Special Edition 85 flex Iginla Curve !

Corey Fienhage

Twincites.com has an article on Corey Fienhage, a defensive recruit for UND. Just think of the size of the UND defense with Finley at 6-4, LaPoint at 6-3, and Fienhage at 6-2.

Finley to Return...The news keeps getting better

Brad Elliott Schlossman reported today in the GrandForks Herald that big Joe Finley will be returning to UND for his senior year. BUCKY look out!

Garrett Clarke to QMJHL

Heath Hotzler wrote in today's GrandForks Herald that Garrett Clarke will back out of his verbal commitments to the USHL Fargo Force and UND to go play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. This decision will make him ineligible for NCAA college hockey.

Kozek to Return for Senior Year

Brad Elliott Schlossman reported in the GrandForks Herald that Andrew Kozek has informed UND that he will be back for his senior year. This is great news!

Chorney to attend Oliers Development Camp

Kevin Prendergast, of the Edmonton Oilers announced that Talyor Chorney has been added to the roster for the team's upcoming Development Camp.

Chorney still in Negotiations

The Vancouver Sun has reported that Taylor Chorney’s advisor is still in negotiations with the Oilers. Because of this, Taylor may not report to the Oilers development camp this Sunday. Is it possible the negotiations will fall apart? It would be interesting to see if he can go back to UND next year... I doubt it, but it's fun to think about.

Garrett Clarke On the Fence?

Garrett Clarke had given a verbal commitment to play for The Fighting Sioux but is he changing his mind to play in the QMJHL. Per the Times & Transcript this may be the rumor... I am sure there will be more on this after the June 7th QMJHL draft.

Ryan Duncan will stay for his senior year

Schlossman reports Ryan Duncan will be staying for his senior year. This is great news.